Cacher of the Month - December 2010

Isn't our lovely Miss December resplendent in strawberry? Before I had met her, I had read her name in several logs. To this day, I cannot just say "crackerjackie" without repeating it at least three times "crackerjackie, crackerjackie, crackerjackie". I have no idea why, I just love the rhythm of the name. I, like many other people, thought that this cacher's name actually was Jackie. I was wrong. I've finally had an opportunity to meet her, and learn her true identity, and to hang out with her at many geocaching events, meetings, and outings. I remember one of the first times I was on a group outing with her, there was a mad rush between her, Wagonmaker and tuppergurl to be the first to find the cache. And I'm not talking *the* FTF, just the first from our group. It was hilarious watching them fall all over each other to get to the cache. I was very happy when she accepted a role on the 2010 MBGA Board of Directors, taking up the position of Training Coordinator. Always fun to be around, crackerjackie is a definite asset to our association.

When did you start Geocaching?

At the end of August 2009

How did you find out about Geocaching?

The great OHMIC was on the radio talking about geocaching one day and I thought it sounded like fun. I went home and checked out geocaching.com, read up on it, saw were the geocaches were in my area and then ventured out.

What was it about geocaching that got you hooked into the game?

I looked for my first cache, Need Cash for the Splash? several times before I actually found it. Being new to the sport and only knowing what I had read on the Internet, I had no idea what I was looking for. It was such a rush when I finally found that cache, I knew immediately that I was hooked.

Have you cached in any other provinces, countries?

I do always plan for geocaching when I travel anywhere, but so far I have only cached in Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Have you ever introduced someone to geocaching? If so, who?

Yes, tuppergurl. After hearing OHMIC on the radio, I went to work, called tuppergurl over and had her sit down. I said to her, "I found out about something that sounds like a lot of fun. I think you are really going to like this." I wasn't mistaken.

How do you describe the sport of Geocaching to your family and friends who haven't tried it yet?

It is a treasure hunt using GPS. That's the short version. I have another very long winded version for anyone who has the patience to listen to me.

What are other interests or hobbies that you have (please go into detail / accomplishments)?

My latest interest is rollerderby. tuppergurl and I recently joined, so watch for us in about 6 months, once we are finished the Winnipeg Roller Derby League's Freshmeat training program.

What are some things you don't like about geocaching? What are your pet peeves?

The only thing that is really bothersome is when it is windy during winter geocaching. It is at this point the 200ft rule comes into effect. This means that if the cache is more than 200ft from the car, it can wait for another day.

What is the most interesting/unusual place that geocaching has taken you?

I cannot think of a particular one as I have found that geocaching has taken me to so many places, so close to me that I never knew existed. This is the other fascinating aspect of geocaching aside from finding the cache itself. I thank all you hiders for taking me to all these places.

What is the most memorable cache that you have found (or tried to find?)?

I had a great time finding the multi Nairnia, each stage took me more than one visit. As a matter of a fact, I told glacier_ice, if anything he should make stage 3 harder.

I think it was when tuppergurl and I went to find IKEA Cometh. We laughed for days after that one. Here is my log from that cache: This had to be the funniest find of the night. We pulled over, threw the four ways on, and hopped out with tuppergurl leading the way and me following closely behind. We start walking in the snow and all of a sudden tuppergurl DISAPPEARED RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES! I looked down and there she was. She had unwittingly stepped into a deep ditch full of water that was hidden by the snow. She filled up both brand new rubber boots! I had to pull her out and we laughed so hard. I was even laughing on the way to work this morning thinking about it. I still can't get over how she just vanished!!! TFTC and the booby trap!!!

What is your most interesting item found in a cache?

There have been a few interesting items, a Barney Rubble Pez dispenser, the Virgin Mary, and the cache container that recently became one of my caches, Wet Your Whistle at the Dirty Curty.

What items if any do you carry with you when you go on a hunt?

I usually have my GPSr, a flashlight, and a pen in my purse at all times, but when I am planning on going caching I take many things, such as tools to help with cache retrieval and items to do cache maintenance.

What kind of GPSr do you use?

Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, but I did use a Garmin NUVI car GPSr for my first 285 caches.

What methods do you use to avoid muggle detection?

The cloak of invisibility and holograms are what I use most of the time or tying my shoe.

What is the meaning of your username?

Many people have trouble getting over the fact that my real name isn't Jackie. My username is simply a feminine version of Crackerjack. Mmmmm tasty!

What was the most memorable travel bug that you have found?

I resent that remark! I have never in my life had bedbugs!

Which geocachers do you respect or standout to you the most?

There are many cachers whom I respect, especially the ones who make the hide interesting, afterall, that is what it is all about, finding the caches.

With whom do you normally go geocaching?

tuppergurl is my partner on most cache runs and we prefer to cache at night. I have also cached with JBrandt36, Wagonmaker, glacier_ice, OHMIC, and various other groups of cachers.

If you could cache anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

The world is a big place and I would like to see it all, so I don't have a particular spot.

Is there a challenging local cache you have in your sights right now? Which one?

I still have to do Splashing New York Style. I have taken a run at stage one a few times, but it has been elusive. It is at the point, where I refuse all help and now begin the story, "Call me Ishmael".

What kind of books do you prefer to read? What was the last book you read?

After reading being forced to read textbooks for the last ten years, I don't find a lot of joy in reading anymore. Maybe one day I will again, but not right now

Can you play a musical instrument?

Other than a simple tune here and there on this and that, no.

How far from your house is the nearest unfound cache?

There are several unfound caches sitting right inside my house, maybe I will eventually get them hidden. Oh wait, you mean for me to find? The evil puzzle cache, Photo Edited by glacier_ice shows as being the nearest to me. I spent hours looking at those photos unable to come up with the right combination. I will go back and try it again one day, but for now I will hiss at it when it shows up on my list.

Besides your GPSr, what other tools (electronic or otherwise), or software do you make use of?

GSAK and macro in it for my NUVI,plus an assortment of other tools, such as tweezers and a reacher.

Do you use your GPSr for other reasons other than Geocaching?

It has other uses?

What is in your iPod/CD player right now?

I am infatuated with Corb Lund. One day he will be mine, even though the restraining order has posed a little bit of a challenge of late.